What is the Bourbon Red turkey used for?
Bourbon Reds were selectively bred for utility traits as a meat bird, and was an important variety in the turkey industry throughout the 1930s and 1940s….Bourbon Red.
| Traits | |
|---|---|
| Skin color | brown |
| Classification | |
| APA | Heritage breed |
| turkey Meleagris gallopavo |
Can Red Bourbon turkeys fly?
A man named J. F. Barbee originally bred Bourbon Reds by crossing Bronze, Holland and Dark Buff Tuskarora turkeys in the late 1800s. Bourbon Reds were bred in Kentucky and accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1909.
Can Bourbon Red turkeys breed naturally?
Bourbon Red Turkeys are sustainable meat and egg birds. They can live and breed naturally for many years, unlike commercial turkeys, which must be artificially inseminated and often die young of organ or skeletal failure. Turkey eggs are richly flavored and a desirable gourmet food item.
How much is a red Bourbon turkey?
Bourbon Reds are a larger variety of turkey known for a heavier breast and richly flavored meat with an expected weight range of 9 to 18 pounds. Total cost for turkeys is $9.00/lb.
Are Bourbon Red turkeys aggressive?
The Bourbon Red turkeys are hardy and very beautiful birds. They are a very attractive variety for either exhibition or just for the backyard. Some birds are of docile temperament, and some can be aggressive. Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production.
What do Bourbon Red turkeys taste like?
“The flavor barely resembles turkey,” assessed one taster of the Bourbon Red. “The meat is so gamy, it almost tastes like venison.” Another opinion: “The dark meat of the Springfield Farm bird seemed to be the most flavorful and also noticeably more greasy than the other two.” Each bird had its merits.
What is the lifespan of a Bourbon Red turkey?
Long productive outdoor lifespan: the Heritage Turkey must have a long productive lifespan. Breeding hens are commonly productive for 5-7 years and breeding toms for 3-5 years. The Heritage Turkey must also have a genetic ability to withstand the environmental rigors of outdoor production systems.
Do Bourbon Red turkeys go broody?
The Bourbon Red tends to be the most common breed to go broody, which is a heritage breed. They will not go broody very often, but they do have the potential. For success at using your turkey hen to produce strong, healthy turkey poults you will first want to give your hens the best diet possible.
How long does it take to raise a Bourbon Red turkey?
The Bourbon Red turkey birds generally reach marketing size within their 6 months of age. And on an average, a tom will require approximately 100 pounds of feed, and a hen will require around 60 pounds of feed for reaching marketing size within 6 months.
How much are live turkeys going for?
Live turkeys are generally sold as day old poults (freshly hatched chicks). The price will range based on the breed, but generally they cost anywhere from about $3.00 to $20.00 each. The less expensive breeds are the commercial, fast growing breeds. While the more expensive birds are the slower growing heritage breeds.
Can you eat turkey eggs?
Turkey eggs are totally edible: Those who have backyard turkeys report their eggs taste remarkably similar to chicken eggs. They are slightly bigger, the shell slightly tougher, and the membrane between the shell and the egg slightly thicker, but otherwise, not too different.
Are Bourbon Red turkeys cold hardy?
The Bourbon Red turkeys are hardy and very beautiful birds. They are a very attractive variety for either exhibition or just for the backyard….Special Notes.
| Breed Name | Bourbon Red |
|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance | Almost all climates |
| Color | Red with white |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |